Wednesday 25 September 2013

WHO Goodwill Ambassador visits to uplift lives of people affected by leprosy in West Bengal



WHO Goodwill Ambassador visits to uplift lives of people affected by leprosy in West Bengal

Kolkata, September 2013: Mr. Yohei Sasakawa, WHO Goodwill Ambassador for Elimination of Leprosy & Chairman of The Nippon Foundation, Japan, along with Shri Dinesh Trivedi, MP & former Railways Minister, visited the self settled leprosy colonies in Asansol.

 The purpose of Mr. Yohei Sasakawa visit to West Bengal to cast light on leprosy -- a neglected disease, yet still remain as serious problem. His purpose of the visit is to learn the ground leprosy situation and seek commitment from political leaders to ensure proper implementation of leprosy eradication program and improve living conditions of people affected by leprosy.

While on the visit, Mr. Dinesh Trivedi who is also the convenor of the recently formed Forum of Parliamentarian to free India of Leprosy, conveyed to the leprosy affected people in the colonies “that they have the right to have a dignified way of living like any other normal person.” He extended his support to them. He also conveyed Honourable Chief Minister Ms. Mamta Banerjee’s best wishes and support to the people in the colony.

Supporting the cause, the Mayor of Asansol, Mr. Tapas Banerjee and Mr. Malay Ghatak, Agricultural Minister and MLA, also accompanied Mr. Sasakawa and Shri Dinesh Trivedi for the visit. Dr. Pradip Kumar Mandal, Jt, DHS & State Leprosy Officer, Dte of Health Services (Leprosy Branch) Mr. A.K Puri, Assistant Director General, Ministry of Health and Family welfare & other local health officials were also present during the visit. The areas visited by them were Rahmatgang and Kankardanga leprosy colonies located in Burnpur in Asansol sub-division, where they met over 159 families, learnt about their lifestyle and occupations, which majorly included begging, labouring as masons and rag & scrap collection. With this visit, they provided morale support and encouragement to these people, by understanding and listening to the people’s needs and concerns, addressing their issues and how can it be supported further by state intervention.

Determined to change the leprosy situation in India Mr. Yohei Sasakawa added “India is a beautiful country, but many parts of it still face the sensitive problems of high discrimination and a major social stigma for the leprosy inflicted people. We aim to provide them a life with dignity, with better education for their children and pension for the elderly and ensure them acceptance into the society. After meeting and understanding them, one major thing I can conclude to is leprosy situation in India needs help, and necessary support to the leprosy affected people and their families should be extended to change the scenario.“

In West Bengal, 11,683 new cases of leprosy were reported in a year (April 2012 to March 2013). Out of the 19 districts of West Bengal, 9 districts have an annual new case detection rate of more than 10 per 100,000 populations. In Burdwan, 1293 cases were detected during the year 2012-2013 with Prevalence Rate of 1.31 per 10,000 population.

Further to this a meeting was organized at Kolkata to discuss current leprosy situation and implementation of leprosy control program in West Bengal.  An interaction was also organized with the members of Sara Bangla Kushtha Kalyan Samiti, organization of people affected by leprosy in West Bengal to know about their issues and concerns.

Shri Dinesh Trivedi and Mr. Madhu Goud Yaskhi were recently appointed as Convenors of The Forum of Parliamentarians to Free India of Leprosy. The Forum formed by like-minded Parliamentarians cutting across party lines and supported by Sasakawa India Leprosy Foundation is committed to work towards a leprosy free India and bring about changes that would ensure the basic human rights of the leprosy affected.  Through the Forum, the members will try to include leprosy affected in the existing government welfare schemes as well as create awareness and acceptability of leprosy affected people at the National, State as well as local level.

*NOTE: The derogatory use of words such as “leper”, “LAPs”, “PALs” to portray persons affected by leprosy in media is not appropriate, as recommended by the United Nations Principles and guidelines for the elimination of discrimination against persons affected by leprosy and their family members (A/RES/65/215).

About SILF (Sasakawa India Leprosy Foundation)
Mr. Yohei Sasakawa works to advance dialogue between the people affected by leprosy, government leaders, the media, and other parties in many countries, with a particular focus on places where the disease is endemic. He focuses a special amount of effort on promoting an accurate understanding of the disease; particularly the fact that it is curable. In 2006, he established in India, The Sasakawa-India Leprosy Foundation dedicated to the task of mainstreaming leprosy affected and cured people through economic and social empowerment. It does this by providing financial assistance for income generation projects. To date, livelihood activities have successfully been implemented through 156 projects across 17 states with SILF support. In 2005, Sasakawa initiated the establishment of the National Forum India, a national network of people affected by leprosy around the country. It provides a platform where people affected by leprosy can request to state and central government officials on issues such as pensions, housing, basic sanitation facilities, employment and education. Sara Bangla Kushtha Kalyan Samiti, a state-level organization of people affected by leprosy is affiliated with National Forum India.

Friday 20 September 2013

‘Adrenaline 2013’ THREE DAYS INTER-COLLEGE SPORTS FEST FIRST TIME ORGANIZED BY ILEAD,


‘Adrenaline 2013’

THREE DAYS INTER-COLLEGE SPORTS FEST FIRST TIME ORGANIZED BY ILEAD,

Kolkata: 2013.iLead Institute organized it’s first three days inter college Sports Fest which is begin with knockout of pool & Table tennis events at iLead campus today. Reputed institutions from Kolkata like Shri Shikshayatan College, IIPM, Bhawanipur Gujarati Education Society, JD Birla College and iLEAD will be participating in this three-day event which includes sports like cricket, football, badminton, pool, table tennis, bowling, swimming, rock climbing and basketball. Mr. Pradip Chopra, Chairman, iLead Institute was present in this occasion. In next two days rest of the game will be played at SPACECIRCLE (Behind Haldiram) V.I.P. Road, Kolkata – 46. The Award ceremony will be held on 24th September,2013 at iLead Institute.



About ILEAd:
Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Development (Ilead) is one of the premier Media and Management School of Kolkata having world class infrastructure   excellent teaching and non teaching staff and is using latest educated technologies and is affiliated to West Bengal University of Technology (WBUT) and is located in the heart of the City. To know more about Ilead one can visit www.ilead.net.in.

Civil engineering students to showcase their steel design skills in national competition

Institute for Steel Development & Growth 
Civil engineering students to showcase their
steel design skills in national competition

Kolkata, September, 2013: Rapidly changing developments in the field of civil engineering have generated the need for young and trained engineers particularly in the research and development area. Fulfilling this need, at least partially, is a national-level competition organized by INSDAG (Institute for Steel Development and Growth), a non-profit making body established by the Ministry of Steel, Government of India and leading steel producers of the country.

Explaining the rationale of the competition, Mr Sushim Banerjee, Director General of INSDAG said: “Our idea is to give students a platform to demonstrate their talent. It also gives them an opportunity to interact with industry experts and gain insights into the required skill sets and ways to stay abreast of technological advancements in Civil engineering worldwide.”
The competition, which is now into its thirteenth year, seeks to recognize and reward talented students of civil/structural engineering in India for excellence and innovation in structural steel design. This year’s theme ‘Design of an Aesthetic and Cost Effective Stadium Roof Structure’ at Bhubaneswar, Odisha is very topical and inspired by projects which are currently in great demand in the country.

Thirteen individuals/groups from different engineering colleges all over India have been shortlisted for the final round in Kolkata to be held on September 20 and 21, 2013.  The presentations to be made in the final round will be judged by the central selection committee comprising of eminent Professors from Premium Engineering Institutes and Professionals from reputed Organizations. The top five entries will receive cash prizes and a scroll of honour.

Shri Lankan ambassador to India visits iLEAD


Shri Lankan ambassador to India visits iLEAD

September, 2013, the students of iLead had the rare opportunity of interacting face to face with His Excellency Sri Prasad Kariyawasam, Shri Lankan Ambassador to India at the Dale Carnegie Auditorium in iLead Campus.
Sri. Prasad Kariyawasam has been the High Commissioner for Sri Lanka to India since December 2009. He has also held diplomatic assignments in various other countries throughout the world including Geneva, Riyadh, Washington, Ney York and New Delhi.

Shri Prasad talked to the students as if he was talking to the children of his own nation, addressing issues faced by both the nations and how India and Sri Lanka share the same history and culture, and how they are different yet very similar to each other. He also talked about how Sri. Lanka has overcome their problems of terrorism in the past and how they are on a steady growth path, with a literacy rate of 93% and a rising standard of living with a high Per Capita income.
He also explained how they overcame illiteracy, by educating females, which has helped in the overall steady rise in literacy as females are the key to any society. This received immediate applause from the audience.
“Delhi is like my home away from home”, he said in response to a question about. favorite destination. “After New Delhi it is Washington”, he added.
There were several more questions from the bunch of inquisitive college students, ranging from the entertainment industry to the cross-employability of Indians and Sri Lankans and the credibility of the portrayal on Sri Lanka in the recent Bollywood flick Madras Café.
It was overall a very engaging and enlightening session, leaving the minds of the young audience more opened up to world affairs.

About ILEAD:
Institute of Leadership, Entrepreneurship and Development (Ilead) is one of the premier Media and Management School of Kolkata having world class infrastructure   excellent teaching and non teaching staff and is using latest educated technologies and is affiliated to West Bengal University of Technology (WBUT) and is located in the heart of the City. To know more about Ilead one can visit www.ilead.net.in

A Press Meet has been organized by Board of Studies of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India(ICAI)

Kolkata: 2013: A Press Meet has been organized by Board of Studies of Institute of Chartered Accountants of India(ICAI) on the occasion of Students International Conference on 14th & 15th September, 2013 at Science City Auditorium, being First ever an International Students Event by ICAI at Kolkata.

CA.Subodh Kumar Agrawal, President, ICAI would be updating the media on the various initiatives taken by the Institute for members, students and in other areas.

India is growing at a fast pace & the government has undertaken several initiatives. Financial inclusion is going to be a key growth area in India. In view of the developments, the future of the accountancy profession looks very promising. Accountants can play a greater role in the economic development of the country. The primary goal of the ICAI would be to uphold public confidence in this Institution and to create global chartered accountants by inculcating best international practices in them. The endeavor would be to bring ICAI in the forefront of economic activity and create a unique ICAI brand that would be recognized and treated with respect and not just in India but all over the world.

Starting with a handful of 1700 members, today, the strength of Chartered Accountant fraternity has grown to over two lakh members. On the education front, the ICAI began with mere 259 students and today more than eleven lakh students are a part of ICAI.

CA Students International Conference –September 14-15, 2013
ICAI is organizing CA Students International Conference on September 14 and 15, 2013 at Science City Auditorium, Kolkata which is being hosted by Eastern India Regional Council of ICAI (EIRC) and Eastern India Chartered Accountants Students’ Association (EICASA). The theme of the Conference is Accounting Professional – Ace, Astute & Adaptable” so as to understand the intricacies involved in emerging innovations in the Professional Arena, namely, International Standards in the field of Accounting, Auditing & Ethics, Goods and Service Tax, Transfer Pricing Issues etc, and response thereto by the Accountancy Bodies. This would be the annual gathering of CA students from all over the Globe.
With a view to understand and appreciate the impact of innovations across the borders, students from all International Accountancy Bodies have been invited to participate in the International Conference to exchange their knowledge and experiences. The Conference would comprise of Technical Sessions, Keynote Lectures, Presentations, Panel Discussions.
Shri K. Rahman Khan, Hon’ble Union Minister for Minority Affairs would be the Chief Guest of the occasion. The Conference is being attended by more than 2500 CA students from India and SAFA Member bodies namely, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
(A) Initiatives towards Nation building
The ICAI regulates the profession of Chartered Accountancy in India and since its establishment, it has been making relentless efforts for bringing an overall qualitative improvement in the financial reporting so that Indian accountancy profession can discharge its responsibilities towards the Indian economy in the most efficient manner.
The profession has moved much beyond performing merely accountancy functions, and has been contributing by giving inputs to the Government and various regulators in the areas of financial markets, capital markets, the reforms in the government accounting or issues of emerging paradigm and has truly added value to the process of economic and social development in the country.

Study Group on Indian Economy: The accountancy function continues to play a strategic role as an enabler of economic growth. In order to take forward this mandate, ICAI has recently constituted a Study Group on Indian Economy. The Group will focus on the Qualitative Assessment of the Macro-Economic Developmental indicators pertaining to trade, globalization, monetary management fiscal prudence, financial reforms, trade as a tool for development.

Study Group on formation of LLP CA Firms & multi-disciplinary partnerships: ICAI has recently constituted a study group to study the issues relating to formation of LLP CA firms and formation of multi-disciplinary partnerships and to suggest the solutions thereto.

Companies Act, 2013: The new Companies Bill has received assent of Hon’ble President of India, which will make it into a law replacing the nearly six-decade old regulations that govern corporates in the country.  There are some key issues in the Bill that are affecting CA profession. ICAI will systematically take up the concerns with the competent authorities as has been done in the past. There is a scope to address these concerns through rules which will be exposed for public comments very soon. ICAI will however bring out guidance notes for smooth implementation of the provisions of the Bill.

     
Establishing “Centre of Excellence for Quality and Ethics”: A joint effort of 3 sister Institutes: It was decided to set up a Center of Excellence for Quality and Ethics at Ajmer (Rajasthan) which will be jointly run by all the 3 sister Institutes of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs i.e. ICAI (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India), ICWAI (Institute of Cost & Work Accountants of India) & ICSI (Institute of Company Secretaries of India). The 3 professional Institutes will work in harmony to establish and run the Center and will put together the competencies possessed by each one of them to create a knowledge hub for their respective target audience.

      An MoU was signed by the 3 Professional Institutes in the presence of Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Corporate Affairs, Shri Sachin Pilot in New Delhi on September 12, 2013 which aims at organizing prgrammes for the capacity building through financial literacy and accounting education, conduct research & programmes on investor education and protection/corporate governance etc.     

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Initiative: Recognizing its social obligations as a Partner in Nation Building, the ICAI, based on CSR initiative of the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, has decided that through its dedicated network at the Regional and Branch level centres, it will seek volunteers from amongst its eligible members for offering audit services to at least 100 auditable entities, to start with, viz. to undertake pro bono and gratis and complete audit in terms of applicable Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.  The target beneficiaries would be selected from amongst those engaged in micro and small enterprises, located in tribal, remote and rural areas, belonging to under privileged/disadvantaged sections of the society, differently able and deserving but deprived classes.  For this purpose, the ICAI will soon invite applications from its interested members/firms for necessary empanelment. The modalities for putting this into effect will be discussed with the Ministry shortly. Recently, Department of Public Enterprises, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises requested ICAI to arrange workshops on CSR Accounting and Auditing for State and Central level enterprises across India during coming months in view of  problems arising in accounting and auditing of CSR funds.

Providing Assistance for MGNREGA Scheme:  The Ministry of Rural Development (MORD) had solicited ICAI’s active role regarding Gram Panchayat audits in connection with MNREGA Scheme. The Ministry had forwarded its inputs/findings regarding the Audit of Gram Panchayat (on pilot basis) & had also come up with the draft framework for the said purpose which was deliberated during various meeting with ICAI. The Ministry had sought assistance from ICAI for auditing of more than 2,50,000 Gram Panchayats in connection with MNREGA Scheme. This initiative will create more professional opportunities for CAs. The Ministry had also sought help from ICAI in determining the fee for the certification work and arrange for equitable distribution of work among professionals based on the panel, to be maintained by and through office of C&AG. ICAI had submitted a proposal to Ministry of Rural Development for implementation of limited review of Gram Panchayats in respect of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to be carried out by Chartered Accountants.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Department of Posts : ICAI eneterd into MoU with Department of Posts to help the department in switching over from cash based accounting to accrual based accounting. ICAI will organize 39 training programmes on Accrual basis of accounting in the offices of Postal Accounts Offices of all 22 circles on PAN India basis. In this regard, 26 programmes have been organized till date and the balance programmes shall be organized by Nov’13.
Training Programmes to be organised: In addition to the above, ICAI would also be  conducting training programmes for the 'Department of Public Enterprises' on Skill Development/Training of Executives and Employees of State Level Public Enterprises (SLPEs). Besides the above, proposal from ‘National Institute of Financial Management’ for conducting training programmes for CAs in Government Accounts has also been received, which will help them in  understanding of the Central and State Government Accounts and Audit reports of C&AG of India.
ICAI has received proposal from Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for organizing training programme on Financial Crimes and Forensic Accounting for their officers. Also, a proposal has been received from National Backward Classes Finance & Development Corporation under the aegis of Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment for training their executives on Risk Management.

Qualified Audit Report Review Committee (QARC): Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) had sought support from ICAI’s FRRB to review the audit qualification of the listed enterprises. The SEBI had set up a Qualified Audit Report Review Committee (QARC). Its role is to guide SEBI in processing the qualified annual audit reports, FRRB will assess the materiality of the qualification contained in auditor’s report, based on which QARC may even direct the entity to restate its books of accounts.
ICAI nominee on QARC has been appointed as the Chairman of QARC which also includes representatives of BSE, NSE, MCX and SEBI itself. 
ICAI endeavors to support all regulators to bring transparency in financial reporting. In order to smoothly accomplish the new role assigned, an issue paper and a draft of background paper has been prepared containing the detailed procedures that may be adopted by it as well as the challenges that may arise while implementing this process. The Board endeavors to take appropriate action in the interest of all stakeholders.
Progress made towards IFRS: The ICAI has been constantly formulating new Accounting Standards as well as revising the existing Accounting Standards from time to time with the objective to bring the Indian Accounting Standards in line with the International Accounting Standards (IASs)/ International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs), as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB).

Considering the global developments with regard to IFRS and to ensure smooth implementation of Ind AS converged with IFRS, a committee was constituted to get the members and other stakeholder ready for proper implementation of Ind ASs. The ICAI is working to support the members and other stakeholders in proper implementation of these Standards by issuing Educational Material on Ind ASs. Adequate steps to enhance the knowledge of the members and other stakeholders for proper implementation of IFRS converged Indian Accounting Standards (Ind ASs) are being taken by way of conducting workshops, seminars and organising IFRS Certificate Course. So far, around 4800 members have been trained under this programme.  

Investor Awareness Programs: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), under the aegis of Investor Education and Protection Fund (IEPF) of the Government of India, has entrusted the Institute with the task to educate the present and prospective investors of the country about the intricacies of capital market. The objective of this initiative is to create better awareness among common people for investment in corporate sector towards creating a strong India Inc. ICAI has conducted 1702 programmes through its branches and resource persons since the year 2007 till date. ICAI has received proposal from MCA to conduct 1000 Investor Awareness Programmes during the Year 2013-14. From Feb 12, 2013 till date 220 such programmes have been organized.

Setting up prototypes of “Accountancy Museum”: In order to preserve the past records, documents and memoirs gathered from various sources, the ICAI had set up “Accountancy Museum” which is functional at ICAI office in Noida.  The Museum has been recognised by the Government of India as Accountancy Museum of India”. The Archives of ICAI is a repository of the non-current records of the Institute and its regional offices /branches. It is a rich amalgam of historic records, speeches, documents, rare and contemporary photographs, activities /events, press clippings, mementos, shields, awards, audio/video material etc. These constitute a valuable supplement to the information available amongst other ICAI records.

In order to communicate to the stakeholders regarding accountancy profession, about the profession’s heritage and also to create awareness about the existence of the “Accountancy Museum of India”, the ICAI has set up prototypes of the Museum at its Regional Council Offices and Decentralised offices besides one office.

            Members & Students Services Charter: On the lines of Citizen’s Charter, the ICAI has in principle, approved bringing out the Members & Students Services Charter detailing the timelines for completion of various procedural work relating to members and students viz. registration, payment of fees, change of address, issuance of certificate of practice, admission as a fellow member, other engagements, firm activities, students and articleship activities etc.  The Charter will be released in coming 3 months.

(B) Initiatives for Students

The ICAI has always been pro-active in designing education and training schemes so as to produce competent professional Chartered Accountants.  The Institute is aware of the demand of the modern dynamic society and therefore the CA course is regularly updated and revised so that the  students should acquaint themselves with the latest in the fields of accounting, auditing, finance, IT and should remain ahead of times. In this direction, the ICAI has recently revised the syllabi of few subjects of IPC and Final Examinations. The ICAI has also initiated some more Student friendly measures.

Integration of CA Course with Commerce Education at University level: ICAI is in the process of identifying the gaps in the present Under Graduate commerce course and coordinating with UGC and other relevant authorities so that the capability of the commerce students can be enhanced. Recently, ICAI organized “Accountancy & Commerce Education Summit” on September 11, 2013 at New Delhi. The Summit provided a forum for exchange of thoughts and interaction on various areas of academic and practical interest such as the need for relevant course curriculum, method of imparting education, examination reforms amongst leading academicians in the field of Commerce & Accountancy Education in India and the professional Chartered Accountants.

Students Portal – Single window Referencer: A Students’ Homepage on ICAI website (http://students.icai.org) was launched by Shri Sachin Pilot, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Corporate Affairs (I/C) on July 1, 2013. Students would now be able to view/ access pertinent details through a mobile site optimized to provide Student Services on the mobile platform along with mobile applications/ Apps.
Launch of Final Course e-Learning on the Students Learning Management System (LMS): e-Learning Facility for the Final Course was launched on the Students Learning Management System (LMS) (http://StudentsLMS.icai.org). e-Learning facility for Common Proficiency Course and Intermediate (IPC) Course is already available.  This facility is made available with an objective to provide quality self-learning for the CA Course. Access to this facility is FREE. This initiative aims to provide quality education for learning, re-learning and revising anytime and anywhere in an affordable manner.
Webcasts-Subject Specific: ICAI organizes subject-specific live Webcasts for students on every Saturday afternoon from 1.00 p.m. to 5.00 p.m so that maximum number of students can be benefitted. Further, ICAI is also planning to organize webcasts in those subjects in which performance of the candidates could be further improved.  Such a move would help the students on all India basis to improve their performance considerably in the forthcoming examination. 

Release of One Stop Referencer for CA Students: A Booklet titled “One Stop Referencer on CA Course” was brought out which contains all the relevant information which a CA student requires at different stages of the Chartered Accountancy Course.

Mock Test: The Institute for the benefit of students conducts Mock Test with the help of its Regional offices and Branches. These tests are in the nature of actual tests and are conducted in simulated examination conditions.  The Mock Tests for the November, 2013 examinations would be conducted by the ICAI in September-October 2013.

Introduction of Direct Entry Scheme to CA Course: It had been decided by ICAI to exempt Graduates/Post Graduates with specified percentage of marks and Intermediate level Examination passed students of The Cost Accountants of India and The Institute of Company Secretaries of India from passing the Common Proficiency Test (CPT).

Due to different nomenclature of papers in various Universities and all papers not carrying 100 marks, the Institute, in order to remove the hardships faced by students seeking direct entry into Intermediate (Integrated Professional Competence) Course, has decided to cover the following category of students for being eligible to direct entry. Graduate or Post Graduate in Commerce having secured in aggregate a minimum of 50% of the total marks or its equivalent grade in the examination conducted by any recognized University (including Open University) by studying any 3 papers carrying a minimum of 50 marks in a semester/ year and cumulatively 100 marks or more marks over the entire duration of the course in each paper out of Accounting, Auditing, Mercantile Laws, Corporate Laws, Economics, Management (including Financial Management), Taxation (including Direct Tax Laws and Indirect Tax Laws), Costing, Business Administration or Management Accounting; or similar to the title of these papers with different nomenclatures.

Further, the Institute has decided to approve the subjects, University-wise, as and when the issue of nomenclature arises.

Reading Room Facilities: The policy for providing additional reading room facility was made so that students can pursue their studies in a conducive environment. It was decided to set up 227 reading rooms in various cities all across the country. ICAI is in the process of setting up reading rooms at various places.

There are 101Universities/ IIMs /Institutions which have recognised Chartered Accountancy qualification for pursuing the Ph.D Programme. For the purpose of registration to Ph.D programme, Chartered Accountancy qualification would be treated as possessing a Post Graduate degree in commerce or allied discipline.

Course Material on English Speaking, Writing Skills and Business Communication: The ICAI brought out the publication titled “Course Material on English Speaking, Writing Skills and Business Communication” to facilitate the Regional Councils and branches for conducting such programmes for the benefit of Articled Assistants as well as staff of the CA firms and employees of the Institute so as to further enhance the overall potential of the profession.

Faculty Development Programmes : The ICAI has completely revised the syllabus for both the courses of GMCS and brought out new training material for the students and the trainers.  A number of programmes are also being organized for the trainers throughout the country which would ensure the standardization in the delivery of the course throughout the country. 

Accreditation of Institutions: With a view to supplement the efforts of ICAI, it is proposed to have a two pronged - strategy for strengthening coaching at various regions and branches. For this purpose, branches will be encouraged to organize regular classes for the students. It is also proposed to accredit more and more reputed educational institutions so that they can impart teaching for the CA Course.

To make the Articles Placement Portal popular and more dynamic: Necessary steps are being taken in this direction to make it user friendly for firms and students.

Formation of Committee for Review of Education and Training (CRET): This step has been initiated to have a comprehensive review of the entire structure of Education and Training Scheme for the Chartered Accountancy course which was last reviewed in 2008.

(C) Initiative for Members

Besides other initiatives being undertaken for the members, ICAI continues to address the concerns of Small and Medium Practitioners (SMPs) and focus on their Capacity building through skill development initiatives. ICAI provides Institutional Framework Enhancement to develop SMPs. The ICAI would work towards fostering collaborations between SMPs and relatively larger firms.

The endeavor this year would be to prepare the members to go beyond traditional domain and explore to widen the scope of professional services in order to cover the entire gamut of financial services. The members are also being helped to upgrade their skills. For instance tie-ups with different universities have been finalized that will give exemptions to CAs who wish to pursue MBA/PhD. It is proposed to create the ICAI think-tank and encourage networking amongst students and members in the areas of professional interest.

ICAI has recently constituted a Group to consider issues relating to equitable audit allotments, development of a mechanism to control tendering system and introduction of ceiling on number of concurrent audit of banks per firm.

Certificate Course on Management, Taxation Laws, Accounting & Auditing Of Co-Operative Societies and NPOs: This Certificate Course which has been designed exclusively for ICAI members to render quality services to cooperative societies and NPOs through updation of their knowledge on various aspects of these sectors was launched.

ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting: ICAI conducts the annual competition ‘ICAI Awards for Excellence in Financial Reporting’ every year. The invitation to participate in the competition for the year 2012-13 is currently open for all entities which publish their annual financial statements. The objective of this competition is to recognise and encourage excellence in preparation and presentation of financial information. This year the competition is being held under 13 categories such as Banking Sector, Manufacturing Sector, Insurance Sector, Service Sector, etc.

Training Programme on SAP Crystal Reports – A Business Intelligence Tool: ICAI has started Training Programme on SAP Crystal Reports – A Business Intelligence Tool. This course covers the process to design, explore, visualize, and deliver reports via the web or embedded in enterprise applications. It also provides comprehensive skills and in-depth knowledge to plan and create reports that will help in analyzing and interpreting data. As a business benefit, this course is an in-depth approach to the entire report creation cycle, from planning a report prototype to distributing a report. 

E-learning on Auditing Standards: ICAI had launched e-learning on auditing standards which is an important initiative to spread awareness about auditing standards among members at large, using the medium of technology.  Till date, more than 2000 members have already enrolled for e-learning out of which 850 have already completed the e-learning.

Practice outside India to be reckoned for fellowship: As per the Scheme of Chartered Accountants Act, 1949 [Section 5(3)], a member is granted fellowship if he has been in continuous practice for five years within India.  Recognising the fact that members of the ICAI have also been practising outside India, it has been decided to request the Government for effecting amendment in the CA Act in order to reckon the practice done outside India to become eligible for fellowship.

Campus Placement Programme: The Chartered Accountancy Course offers bright future prospects for the candidates. It offers equal opportunities to those who wish to opt for a job or start their own practice. The Institute through one of its Committee organizes campus placement programme twice every year for the benefit of newly qualified chartered accountants. This forum provides opportunity to the employers to interact with newly qualified Chartered Accountants and also is a cost effective mode of recruiting Chartered Accountants.

ICAI  had organized Campus Placement Programme during February- March 2013 . The 2nd phase of campus placement programme was organized at 16 Centres from August – September, 2013. Prominent organizations including Public Sector Undertakings, Banks etc. participated in this mega event. 

Total No. of Companies participated in all center’s – 57 (102 interview teams)


Jobs Offered
Jobs Accepted
Interview Teams
Smaller Center
112
90
22
Metro Center
395
388
80
Total
507
478
102

  • Highest salary for Smaller center (Pune)- 16 Lacs per annum offered to 3 candidates by ITC Limited         

  • Highest salary for Metro center (New Delhi)- 24.64 Lacs per annum offered to 3 candidates by Alghanim Industries for International Posting

  • Highest salary for Metro center (Mumbai)- 20 Lakhs Per Annum offered to a candidate by Hindustan Unilever Limited for Domestic Posting

(D)International Initiatives

 ICAI is playing an increasingly proactive role at the International front and has drawn up a strategy with the aim to export professional services in a big way to enable Indian Professionals to take lead in International Affairs and come at par with those from developed countries.  

MoUs/MRAs with various Accounting Bodies:

The Institute has signed MoUs/MRAs with various Accounting Bodies namely:
·         The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales
·         The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia
·         CPA Australia
·         CPA Ireland
·         Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants
·         Association of International Accountants (AIA), UK
·         New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants

This step entails coming together of the two Accounting bodies working in tandem with each other to provide synergy. These agreements facilitate mobility of members across the borders and further strengthen the ties between India and its counterpart in other country.

The MoUs for Technical Cooperation with the following Accounting Institutes have been cleared by the Ministry and would be signed soon:
·         Accounting & Auditing Standards Board of Bhutan
·         Saudi Organization for Certified Public Accountants

Political clearance is awaited for the MoU for Technical Cooperation with the Vietnam Institute of Certified Public Accountants

Talks are progressively on with the following Accounting Institutes for signing MoU with ICAI:
·         South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
·         The Japanese Institute of Certified Public Accountants
·         Instituto Mexicano de Contadores Publicos, A.C, Mexico

Dialogues of Technical cooperation have been initiated with the following Accounting Institutes:
·         The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nepal
·         The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bangladesh
·         Singapore Accountancy Commission
·         Court of Auditors, Morocco
·         The Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland
·         Kuwait Accounting and Auditing Association
·         National Board of Accountants and Auditors, Tanzania
·         Egyptian Society of Accountants & Auditors – ESAA
·         Ordre national des Experts Comptables et des Comptablies Agrees du Togo (ONECCA-TOGO)

·         The Society of Accountants in Malawi